Ralph Okerlund


Ralph Okerlund is an American politician and a Republican member of the Utah State Senate representing District 24 since January 1, 2009. He has been the Senate's majority leader since January 28, 2013.

Personal life, education, and career

Okerlund earned his AA from Dixie State College and his BS in political science from the University of Utah. He has worked in agriculture. Okerlund is married to his wife, Cindy and they have three Children.

Background

Before he was a senator, Okerland was on the Monroe City Council, served as Monroe City Mayor and the Sevier County Commissioner, was president of Utah State Association of Commissioners and Councilmen, and was president of Utah Association of Counties. Senator Okerlund was elected to the Senate in 2008. In 2016 he currently serves as the Senate Majority Leader.
In 2016, Senator Okerlund served on the following committees:
During the 2014 General Session, Senator Okerlund was conducting a meeting with House and Senate GOP leaders when he stepped out into the hallway and apparently passed out. He said he had felt light-headed. He was not able to return for the last two days of the session.

Elections

Legislation

2016 sponsored bills

Senator Okerlund was the Floor Sponsor for the following bills:
In 2014, Senator Okerlund sponsored S.B. 88 Substitute Child Interview Amendments, which clarifies the right of child victims to keep confidential their interviews that are conducted at a Children's Justice Center, including video and audio recordings, and transcripts of those recordings. This bill helps protect children who have suffered from abuse. It was passed and signed by the Governor.